They set up another camp, a few dozen minutes' walk from Sain. Zetto put every camouflage and protection spell he could on the camp, almost paranoid about keeping them safe while he was away.
"You gonna do everything by yourself again?" Tae snapped.
"Relax, Lobi's coming with me. I need a guide. I'd rather leave the rest of our forces here, just in case. Keeping the people we're protecting safe is what matters most right now."
"You always say that and nothing ever happens, then I find out you went up against like fifty guys by yourself!"
Zetto gave her a soft smile, then kissed her.
"It's really sweet of you to worry about me so much."
Tae blushed – she didn't see that coming. At the same time she was more annoyed that he'd ended the conversation like that, leaving her little chance to scold him, but she couldn't stay mad at him.
"Don't worry, I'll be back in one piece," he said to Tae, then turned to Lobi. "Let's go."
The dog-girl gave a quick nod.
"Yes, Sir Zetto."
"Wait, don't you need some kind of cover?" Tae asked. Zetto gave a small smile.
"They probably already know what I look like and that I was exiled, even though I'm the strongest of the heroes. There's no point in pretending anymore ."
"I-if you think so," Tae hesitated for a moment, then returned his kiss . "Come back safe."
"Yes. I'll return with the ones I saved."
With that, he and Lobi headed toward Sain. The dog-girl looked a bit nervous, the place bringing back bad memories, but her tail wagged slightly at the thought that Zetto would save her friends and the other beast-people.
"Th-the first slave market," she said quietly, "is near the main gate we'll enter through. One or two districts away."
"Lead the way. We'll tear everything apart and save whoever we can."
*
Nevai, Haien, and Aulora walked for two hours. Nevai led them through empty, forested outskirts so they could reach their destination safely – a small fishing village. Taking the official roads would've taken half a day.
On the way, they fought a few weak beasts and dealt with them easily. Finally, they reached the place where an old sea dog with tanned skin waited. By the shore, he had a small boat tied up, big enough for about ten people.
Nevai dug through his pockets.
"Damn it, I'm out of tobacco," he muttered, letting out a frustrated noise. "And knowing where we're headed, I'll probably have to go without smoking for… half a year at least. I'm gonna miss the taste."
Haien put a hand on his shoulder.
"That'll do you good," he said, laughing. "Your lungs will finally get to enjoy life, haha. Besides, what kind of example are you setting for the kids?"
"Why are you treating me like some brat? I'm eighteen!"
Nevai and Haien exchanged a look, then laughed.
"When you become an old geezer in your forties like us, you'll get it," Haien chuckled.
"If you want to make it to the Coast of Northeastern Deserts in one piece," the old man cut in bluntly, "you'd better stop the chit-chat. Sea beasts wake up at night around here, and it'll take at least half a day to get there."
"Yeah, yeah, you old fart," Nevai muttered.
The old man smacked him on the head.
"Watch your mouth with your elders, huh?"
"I'll let it slide," Nevai ground out, "once we get there."
The old man just gave a sly grin and gestured for them to get on the boat.
After a moment, they set off.
*
The stars twinkled softly in the night sky. The water moved gently, reflecting the faint glow above. Haien was snoring loudly, Nevai stayed awake, and Aulora was half-lying back, staring up at the stars, lost in thought.
I've never met this Zetto guy. I only heard rumors – at first that he was a noble, kind hero, and later that he was a traitor to the nation, someone who sided with Tiriga. When I first heard it, I couldn't believe that any of the heroes would turn against us… They were supposed to serve us for life, supposed to be honest and good.
Will they call me a traitor too? Or just… forget I exist? After all, I'm just one of thousands of magic students showing up each year – even if I am above the average.
Being so didn't do me any good. Looking back, I wish I'd spent that time with the people who actually mattered to me – Neli and Rai – instead of burying my nose in books.
Aulora's lips trembled, and a single tear rolled down her cheek.
I can't get back the time I lost.
All I can do is make sure I don't repeat the same mistakes in the future.